Photos, videos of pro-Palestinian encampment at UT show student protest, arrests
Protesters at the University of Texas chanted "Free Palestine" as they set up an encampment on the campus' South Mall on Monday.
This event marks an escalation from the initial pro-Palestinian protests that started Wednesday, when 57 people were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing, though all those charges were later dropped due to "deficiencies" with the probable cause arrest affidavits.
The protest at UT is part of a broader national movement at universities across the nation advocating for a divestment from Israeli weapons manufacturers and calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, where at least 30,000 people have reported been killed as Israel continues its bombardment in response to a deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, a militant Palestinian group.
Check out the scenes at the UT-Austin campus Monday:
Photos show arrests being made at UT-Austin encampment protest
Protesters form circle and begin linking arms
Protestors have formed a circle guarding the tents, linking arms and holding signs. There are about 5 tents in the center. pic.twitter.com/296wvCaeIo
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
UTPD sends Notice of Dispersal Order
More: @UTAustin students received notices to disperse via text/email, directing “those participating in the South Mall event” to disperse. Here’s what those look like. @statesmanhttps://t.co/yUli5597Rvpic.twitter.com/4Dr5Iw4YLi
— Chase Rogers (@ChaseRogersAAS) April 29, 2024
Dozens of DPS troopers arrive at UT-Austin campus
UPDATE: dozens of state troopers have just arrived to @UTAustin. pic.twitter.com/er2uq1rcLy
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
State police begin moving in on UT-Austin's South Mall
State police are moving in toward protestors. pic.twitter.com/vTBAvUg4cG
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
First arrest made on UT-Austin campus
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
UT-Austin student protesters chant: 'Why are you in riot gear?'
There have been at least 3 arrests. Protestors are sitting down and continuing to link arms. pic.twitter.com/COLnFWQmIv
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
Texas DPS and UTPD break up demonstration
More arrests are happening as police seek to break up the circle pic.twitter.com/YANx8GrcIF
— Lily Kepner (@lilykepner) April 29, 2024
Police use bolt cutters to cut chains, remove tables from encampment
Update: @lilykepner and I have confirmed a few arrests. Police brought bolt cutters. It appears some of the picnic tables are chained together. Video here of police attempts to cut the chain and wrestling tables from the circle. @statesmanhttps://t.co/AGVgcUgevbpic.twitter.com/PJHsqTsaSg
— Chase Rogers (@ChaseRogersAAS) April 29, 2024
Officers begin pulling protesters and arresting them
UTPD officers pulling protesters away from the encampment and arresting them pic.twitter.com/JNiudhjymJ
— Aarón Torres (@AaronTorres_) April 29, 2024
Man sunbathes while encampment chaos continues behind him
Sunbathing UT student on South lawn next to Palestinian protest rally
he told me he’s not trying to make a statement. He supports the protest, but the lawn is his happy place and this is where he wants to be. @fox7austinpic.twitter.com/E5Ot8HrLAb— rudy koski (@KoskionFOX7) April 29, 2024
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Photos, videos of pro-Palestinian encampment protest at UT-Austin
